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The weevil under
study Sitophilus zeamais, also referred as "the enemy"
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Thanda Dhliwayo, recent M.Phil. graduate
(Univ. of Zimbabwe) who did his research with the weevil project at
CIMMYT, Zimbabwe. He is holding a weevil culture jar, showing
grain of a susceptible maize cultivar and numerous weevils.
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Weevil controlled temperature and humidity (CTH)
room showing shelves with jars of weevil-nfested maize. Humidifier
and heater maintain the room at 70% relative humidity and 27degrees C,
ideal for weevil development. |
After infestation with 32
adult weevils, and following a 6-week incubation period in the CTH room,
grain samples are seived using the metal seive shown in this photo.
The flour passing through the seive is weighed and used to calculate
grain weight loss. The weevils remain in the seive with the grain,
and the total number of weevils in the sample provides a good estimate
of the resistance or susceptibility of the maize cultivar. |
